YMCA kicks off Invest in Youth campaign this week

The Cambridge Area YMCA will kickoff its annual Invest in Youth campaign on Thursday.

The Invest in Youth campaign is special because it provides financial assistance that keeps programs available to children and families who need them most in our area.

The Invest in Youth campaign was established to ensure no one would be turned away from YMCA programs and services due to financial circumstances. This campaign gives members and friends of the YMCA and the surrounding community an opportunity to help others and give back to our community through volunteerism and financial contribution. When giving to the Invest in Youth campaign you are helping those less advantaged in the YMCA outreach programs such as Head Start, Community Christian School gym programs and bereavement camps as well as financial assistance.

The money raised goes directly to deliver programs and services such as scholarships, youth sports, gymnastics and swim lessons, youth basketball, T-ball and coach pitch, as well as Parents Night Out, to children, teens, adults and families. It does not pay general overhead costs or campaign expenses.

This years goal for the Cambridge YMCA is to raise $20,000 with the campaign ending Feb. 12.

Even potential YMCA members can contribute because support is needed as well. As a community member you benefit by having a strong YMCA in the community that provides meaningful opportunities to help our young people grow into responsible adults. The YMCA needs your support in this campaign to reach into the community and provide safe, high quality, character building programs for all.

The Cambridge Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable organization with more than 3,000 individuals being served each year with an annual attendance of nearly 200,000. The YMCA reaches out to all facets of the community, serving babies, youth, teens adults, seniors and families. YMCA programs, services and leadership focus on building a healthy spirit, mind and body by putting Christian principles into practice. The YMCA is a membership organization open to all with financial assistance available based on need. No one will ever be turned away from participation due to the inability to pay. The goal of the YMCA is to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities while focusing on character development and its four core values: Honesty, respect, responsibility and caring.

For more information about the Invest in Youth campaign, or if you would like to contribute to the campaign, contact the Cambridge Area YMCA, 432-6318.